It was a very busy 2015

Video, infographic highlights ADA impact on oral health

April 18, 2016
Half a billion social media engagements on the benefits of fluoride. Nearly 107,500 hours of continuing education delivered. And $6 million in funding for military dental research to help treat and rehabilitate injured soldiers.

The ADA, together with state and local associations, had a busy 2015.

A video and infographic were launched this month on ADA.org/highlights, which showcase the reach and impact of organized dentistry to support dental society recruitment outreach.

The goal: to articulate, in a brief visual way, the impact and value of ADA membership.

These achievements on public education, community service, advocacy and helping members succeed are visual and are easy to share via social media. The infographic includes a customizable page that allows state and local dental societies to highlight their achievements.

Accomplishments in 2015 highlighted in the two-and-a-half minute video and one-page infographic include:

3.7 billion impressions in news stories, such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Donation of $1.3 billion in dental care by ADA members — or about $2,500 per minute.

Treatment of 350,000 children in 2015 through Give Kids A Smile.

Advocacy on Capitol Hill for $17 million to expand funding for dental access, research and disease prevention.

Members saving an average of $34,900 in a new student loan refinancing program through Darien Rowayton Bank.

"It's truly impressive to see what we as the ADA have achieved together throughout 2015," said Dr. Joshua Austin, chair of the ADA Council on Communications. "By highlighting these momentous achievements in a way that's easy to share with colleagues, family and friends, it allows for everyone to gain a greater understanding for our organizations' true impact on society."